Crosshair V Formula or Recommend me something else

Well its time to upgrade my mobo soon as mine isnt really great. I really like the Crosshair V Formula but it comes w/ a hefty price tag. There is also a open box version for $153.99. Does ASUS still warranty the open box boards? if not then what would you recommend for me? im going to use my 960t in there until the release of piledriver.

Open Box is a gamble but can work out nicely. I went to Geeks.com and purchased the Formula V refurbished for around that same price. The first was DoA and the one I recieved had accessories included that the other didn't (emblem, sticker, "show offy" stuff). Both did include all the critical items like SATA cables, the manual, SLI/Crossfire cables, and I/O plate, among other items.

In other words, you might miss out on some things from open box, but it can save a lot of money and you'd be getting the same product. If you're willing to play the RMA game, then I'd say proceed without any doubt.

the accessories i dont really care about. usually its only sata cables and some fancy dancy stickers. warranty wise how is the open box? and i do like that used crosshair V formula. i dont like those other boards as the biostar i dont think has a nice power phase for overclocking, and i want a black/red theme so those boards would kill my scheme was also thinking about a UD3 as it has a 8+2 phase.

the accessories i dont really care about. usually its only sata cables and some fancy dancy stickers. warranty wise how is the open box? and i do like that used crosshair V formula. i dont like those other boards as the biostar i dont think has a nice power phase for overclocking, and i want a black/red theme so those boards would kill my scheme was also thinking about a UD3 as it has a 8+2 phase.

the V definitely is worth it. you do know you have so many days to return an open box from newegg but you will pay re-stocking fee, right?. i've only bought one OB from them (an evga x58 mobo) and i was very satisfied with it.

not sure about Gigabyte but if you register the asus board you will get (i believe) a 3-year warranty for it. you can call the manufacturer if that still stands.

In my experience with newegg (5 boards so far), most Asus open box boards are RMA returns/refurbs from Asus and not just repackaged boards that newegg received from the original owner. Never had a problem with them cosmetically or functionality. 40% of the time I get all the accessories. Once I got a brand new Maximus IV P67.